Page 82 of Then You Happened
taking notice. “You have no goddamn clue who you’re messing with.”
“Ranch hands don’t worry us,” Baldy warns.
But my laugh rings out loud and clear. “You keep thinking that’s all I am, and I’ll keep trying to figure out who the fuck sent you two assholes because you and I both know you’re standing in front of me threatening me for Tate’s sake. So, tell me, did Jed send you to make sure we don’t tell everyone he’s been shorting Tate out of the grain she paid for? Is he afraid others might start checking their orders a little more closely? Oh, no. You must be from Hickman, then. It must suck when another credible horse ranch threatens longstanding relationships you have with huge clients because you rested on your laurels and got lazy.” The muscles in their jaws clench, and their eyes bore into mine as I offer them a lazy smile and a go-fuck-yourself glare right back. “Not that? Hmm. Is it her land in general you’re trying to run her off? Rumor over at Ginger’s is that Fletcher stole that land right out from under the nose of a pair of brothers who thought they deserved it. That wouldn’t happen to be you two, now would it?”
“You don’t know who you’re messing with.”
“Another empty threat.” This time I smile even wider. “Can I buy you a drink?” I hold my finger up to our server. “You look like you could use it. What’ll you have?”
“You’ve been warned.”
“So have you.”
They walk off just as Tate gets back to the table, and all of the people slowly turn their attention back to the contest.
“Dare I ask why everyone is looking at me like they saw a ghost?”
“That part I told you about things getting a little rough before they get better?”
“Yeah?” She swivels her head on her neck and looks around.
“The first warning shot was just fired over the bow.”
“Let’s hope you shot back with a much bigger gun.”
I throw my head back and laugh, hoping the two fuckers hear it.
I hope they know we won’t be intimidated.
And when I look back at her, the only thought that fills my head is just how bad I want to kiss her.
Right here.
Right now.
Stake my claim so every other asshole in this town not only knows she’s taken but also knows she’s protected.
I fight the urge that owns me because I don’t need to shield her. The damn woman is strong enough on her own. That much I know for sure.
But it’s her lips I want.
It’s her moan I want to earn.
And fuck if that isn’t a problem.
26
TATE
For some reason, I look at the ranch through fresh eyes when we drive through its gates.
Maybe it’s because I’m looking at all this land and possibility through the haze of hope, which isn’t something I’ve had for a long time.
I look at the front door of the house and remember when Fletcher carried me over its threshold. Was that the last time I felt it?
Can’t be.
There’s no way I’ve lived here for the past six years and not felt it. Is there?
